21.4.12
Spartak 2 , Greenhills/Greenpark 3
A somnolent start to this game saw Spartak lack both pace and intensity and quickly go two down; both goals had a touch of offside to them however the second was quite preventable if the Sky Blues had closed down rather than spent precious time appealing.
The visitors were handing out punishment which was leniently dealt with by the ref; and Spartak allowed themselves to be outmuscled.
Ross Kelly had a score chalked off for offside which looked a great deal more legitimate than the visitors two; and Ross also just failed to guide his shot on target after getting past the keeper from Steve Walsh’s pass.
Spartak reduced arrears just before the break when Shane McInerney bundled in Conor Maguire’s attempted cross shot.
The second half saw a big improvement with Greenhills restricted to breaks. On a rare break they scored at the near post on 65 minutes to restore their lead after Ross Kelly’s scrambled equaliser on 48 minutes.
The home side then had more of the play and some great chances were missed; Colum O’Sullivan looked certain to head home from very close in from Niall Hanratty’s corner; Conor Maguire fired over, while Ross spooned over after a neat square ball from Martin Costello.
Conor Maguire, subjected to rough treatment throughout without much protection finally lost his composure; the first time he was lucky to escape a red card, but on the second occasion he had to go.
A soft start and two goals conceded left the Sky Blues with just too much to do, despite a dominant second half performance.
Form Report
David O’Kelly 6 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 5 Fintan Grace 5 Cathal Clancy 5 Steve O’Hara 5 Mick Costello 5 Conor Maguire 5 Steve Walsh 6 Ross Kelly 6 Shane McInerney 6
Subs: Martin Costello 5 Niall Hanratty 5 Colum O’Sullivan 5 Derek McGoldrick Niall Lennon
